Running: average pace vs height

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melduf
melduf Posts: 468 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,
For those who have been running a while, what is your average pace and your height?

Why am I asking? I've been running for a few months now and my average pace has been improving. I started at 9 min/km and am now at 7 min/km. I'm wondering if I can keep improving or if this is it. I have friends who have been running for a shorter period of time and who are already faster than me.
Since I run on a university campus, I get lapped all the time by younger and fitter people. Monday I got lapped big time by a girl my height. Since I used to think that my height would prevent me from reaching a higher speed (I'm 5'1''), I would like to know how other people are doing in order to set a realistic goal. I like surpassing myself but I also don't want to set myself for failure.

For those who like data: I run 3 times a week, between 10 to 14 km a week. I'm 27 years old.
Thanks :)

Replies

  • georgetait42
    georgetait42 Posts: 20 Member
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    You should only worry about beating yourself, it doesn't matter what other peoples times and speeds are.

    I am 45 5'9 and run at around 5-6 min/km. 5 months and 42lbs ago I was running 8 min/km.

    It doesn't matter how fast I get there is always someone younger and faster.

  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
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    Elite female marathoners are not tall. I have a friend who is 4'11" and regularly wins or places high in her age group (50+) for 10ks, marathons, triathlons, etc. for the most part, male or female, height has little to do with running speed at distance. If anything, tall people can be at a mechanical disadvantage.
  • melduf
    melduf Posts: 468 Member
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    Yeah, I guess I'm just feeling sorry for my little pudgy legs lol
  • corinne1977
    corinne1977 Posts: 144 Member
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    I'm 5'2", 130 lbs, 37 y.o. and only do 11min/mile. I've been running for 4 years so my time as not improved much.
  • jstrun
    jstrun Posts: 70 Member
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    You can always improve your time...you haven't been running long you still have lots of room for improvement. Strength training, higher weekly milleage will all help. I am 23, 5ft6 still very overweight and I run usually a 9:50 min / mile for shorter distances (10K max) another over that i run an 11 min / mile usually.
  • Rice27
    Rice27 Posts: 29 Member
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    I am 5 ft 1 and my pace depends on my training. I have been a 12 min mile to a 9 min mile. The more consistently I run the faster I am :)
  • throoper
    throoper Posts: 351 Member
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    I'm 5'5" and can run a ~8:30 min mile on a 5k or a ~9:15 min mile on a half marathon. I usually run about 9-9:30 min mile when I'm out jogging. Definitely just doing it more, and doing speedwork (sprint intervals) will vastly help your pace! But I do like to blame my shortish legs too :)

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